Skin brightening refers to fading dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation, sun exposure and ageing.

Unlike skin bleaching, which involves changing the colour of the skin, skin brightening simply refers to the process of removing any dark marks that discolour your original skin tone.

To start with, let’s unpack what it causes skin pigmentation.

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Access Today's Show Notes:

https://stylestory.com.au/blogs/podcast/what-is-skin-brightening-i-ep-08

Resources:

https://stylestory.com.au/what-is-skin-brightening/

https://stylestory.com.au/best-korean-beauty-products-for-skin-brightening/

Skin brightening refers to fading dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation, sun exposure and ageing.
Unlike skin bleaching, which involves changing the colour of the skin, skin brightening simply refers to the process of removing any dark marks that discolour your original skin tone.
To start with, let&rsquo;s unpack what it causes skin pigmentation.
CONNECT WITH ME&nbsp;
Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/lauren.kbeauty">www.instagram.com/lauren.kbeauty</a>&nbsp;
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Access Today's Show Notes:
<a href="https://stylestory.com.au/blogs/podcast/what-is-skin-brightening-i-ep-08">https://stylestory.com.au/blogs/podcast/what-is-skin-brightening-i-ep-08</a>
Resources:
<a href="https://stylestory.com.au/what-is-skin-brightening/">https://stylestory.com.au/what-is-skin-brightening/</a>
<a href="https://stylestory.com.au/best-korean-beauty-products-for-skin-brightening/">https://stylestory.com.au/best-korean-beauty-products-for-skin-brightening/</a>

Want to keep up to date with all things Korean beauty? Join host Lauren Lee, founder of K-Beauty platform STYLE STORY as she talks K-Beauty live from Seoul, South Korea. If you want an insight into the products, ingredients and trends you’ll be seeing next in beauty as well as how to perfect your own K-Beauty routine, then this is the podcast for you.

Want to keep up to date with all things Korean beauty? Join host Lauren Lee, founder of K-Beauty platform STYLE STORY as she talks K-Beauty live from Seoul, South Korea. If you want an insight into the products, ingredients and trends you&rsquo;ll be seeing next in beauty as well as how to perfect your own K-Beauty routine, then this is the podcast for you.

The Korean Beauty Show Podcast

The Korean Beauty Show

What is Skin Brightening?

Olive Young is more than Korea’s biggest beauty retailer. It is also a trend forecaster, data company, omnichannel platform and incubator for emerging K-Beauty brands.

In Part 2 of this special, Host Lauren Lee explores how Olive Young connects its physical stores, online platform, rapid delivery and live commerce to create a seamless discovery-led shopping experience. She also examines how its loyalty programme, consumer data and merchandising capabilities help the company identify trends and scale Korean beauty brands.

Plus, she looks at the more complicated side of Olive Young’s rise, including regulatory scrutiny over its supplier practices and the lawsuit involving a lifting mask sold under one of its in-house brands.

Finally, she breaks down Olive Young’s international expansion strategy, what went wrong with the launch of its dedicated US platform, the competition it faces from Amazon, Sephora and Ulta, and whether its platform model could support a successful return to China.

For full show notes and resources, visit:
Show Notes

Catch up on Part 1:
Part 1

Brands and Retailers Mentioned in This Episode
Olive Young
Amazon
Sephora
Ulta Beauty
YesStyle
Jelly Ko
Etude House 
Flower Knows

CONNECT WITH LAUREN: 
Book a Consultation
Instagram
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Take a FREE Korean style skin analysis
Shop Jelly Ko
Shop Jelly Ko on YesStyle

Affiliate Disclaimer

Some links we share may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps to offset the cost of producing the show.

A Small Request

If you use insights, data or research from this episode in your own content, we ask that you kindly credit The Korean Beauty Show and tag us where possible. It helps others find the original source and supports the work that goes into producing these episodes.

Olive Young is more than Korea&rsquo;s biggest beauty retailer. It is also a trend forecaster, data company, omnichannel platform and incubator for emerging K-Beauty brands.
In Part 2 of this special, Host Lauren Lee explores how Olive Young connects its physical stores, online platform, rapid delivery and live commerce to create a seamless discovery-led shopping experience. She also examines how its loyalty programme, consumer data and merchandising capabilities help the company identify trends and scale Korean beauty brands.
Plus, she looks at the more complicated side of Olive Young&rsquo;s rise, including regulatory scrutiny over its supplier practices and the lawsuit involving a lifting mask sold under one of its in-house brands.
Finally, she breaks down Olive Young&rsquo;s international expansion strategy, what went wrong with the launch of its dedicated US platform, the competition it faces from Amazon, Sephora and Ulta, and whether its platform model could support a successful return to China.
For full show notes and resources, visit: <a href="https://stylestory.com.au/blogs/podcast/the-business-behind-olive-young-part-2">Show Notes</a>
Catch up on Part 1: <a href="stylestory.com.au/blogs/podcast/the-business-behind-olive-young-part-1">Part 1</a>
Brands and Retailers Mentioned in This Episode
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Olive Young</li>
<li aria-level="1">Amazon</li>
<li aria-level="1">Sephora</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ulta Beauty</li>
<li aria-level="1">YesStyle</li>
<li aria-level="1">Jelly Ko</li>
<li aria-level="1">Etude House&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Flower Knows</li>
</ul>
CONNECT WITH LAUREN:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancy">Book a Consultation</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="instagram.com/lauren.kbeauty">Instagram</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeauty">TikTok</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="threads.net/@lauren.kbeauty">Threads</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcast">YouTube</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="jellyko.com/pages/ai-skin-analysis">Take a FREE Korean style skin analysis</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.jellyko.com">Shop Jelly Ko</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="yesstyle.com/en/jelly-ko/list.html/bpt.299_bid.331833">Shop Jelly Ko on YesStyle</a></li>
</ul>
Affiliate Disclaimer
Some links we share may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps to offset the cost of producing the show.
A Small Request
If you use insights, data or research from this episode in your own content, we ask that you kindly credit The Korean Beauty Show and tag us where possible. It helps others find the original source and supports the work that goes into producing these episodes.

The Business Behind Olive Young (Part 2)

Olive Young is now Korea’s biggest beauty retailer, but it wasn't always that way. In this episode, Lauren dives into the business story behind Olive Young's rise to dominance and explains why its success goes far beyond selling Korean skincare.

Learn how the company built an ecosystem that helped shape the modern K-Beauty industry, why Harvard Business School chose Olive Young as the subject of a case study, and what global retailers can learn from its approach to merchandising, supplier relationships and brand building.

Plus, Lauren explores why Olive Young's "beauty playground" concept resonated so strongly with Korean consumers, the role of Korea's OEM/ODM ecosystem in its success, and why supporting emerging brands has been central to the company's growth.

For full show notes and resources, visit:

stylestory.com.au/blogs/podcast

 

Brands Mentioned in This Episode
Olive Young
Missha
Etude House
Innisfree
Nature Republic
The Face Shop
Skin Food
TonyMoly
Rom&nd
Torriden

 

Connect with Lauren

Book a Consultation: stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancy

Instagram: instagram.com/lauren.kbeauty

TikTok: tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeauty

Threads: threads.net/@lauren.kbeauty

YouTube: youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcast

 

Take a Korean style skin analysis: https://jellyko.com/pages/ai-skin-analysis

 

Shop Jelly Ko: jellyko.com

Affiliate Disclaimer

Some links we share may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps to offset the cost of producing the show.

 

A Small Request

 

If you use insights, data or research from this episode in your own content, we ask that you kindly credit The Korean Beauty Show and tag us where possible. It helps others find the original source and supports the work that goes into producing these episodes.

Olive Young is now Korea&rsquo;s biggest beauty retailer, but it wasn't always that way. In this episode, Lauren dives into the business story behind Olive Young's rise to dominance and explains why its success goes far beyond selling Korean skincare.
Learn how the company built an ecosystem that helped shape the modern K-Beauty industry, why Harvard Business School chose Olive Young as the subject of a case study, and what global retailers can learn from its approach to merchandising, supplier relationships and brand building.
Plus, Lauren explores why Olive Young's "beauty playground" concept resonated so strongly with Korean consumers, the role of Korea's OEM/ODM ecosystem in its success, and why supporting emerging brands has been central to the company's growth.
For full show notes and resources, visit:
stylestory.com.au/blogs/podcast
&nbsp;
Brands Mentioned in This Episode
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Olive Young</li>
<li aria-level="1">Missha</li>
<li aria-level="1">Etude House</li>
<li aria-level="1">Innisfree</li>
<li aria-level="1">Nature Republic</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Face Shop</li>
<li aria-level="1">Skin Food</li>
<li aria-level="1">TonyMoly</li>
<li aria-level="1">Rom&amp;nd</li>
<li aria-level="1">Torriden</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Connect with Lauren
Book a Consultation: stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancy
Instagram: instagram.com/lauren.kbeauty
TikTok: tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeauty
Threads: threads.net/@lauren.kbeauty
YouTube: youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcast
&nbsp;
Take a Korean style skin analysis: https://jellyko.com/pages/ai-skin-analysis
&nbsp;
Shop Jelly Ko: jellyko.com
Affiliate Disclaimer
Some links we share may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps to offset the cost of producing the show.
&nbsp;
A Small Request
&nbsp;
If you use insights, data or research from this episode in your own content, we ask that you kindly credit The Korean Beauty Show and tag us where possible. It helps others find the original source and supports the work that goes into producing these episodes.

The Business Behind Olive Young (Part 1)

Lauren shares the latest K-Beauty industry news, including Olive Young’s much-anticipated US launch, why fans are frustrated with the brand and product lineup, Kendall Jenner becoming the face of Anua, and Korea’s regulators cracking down on Dr.G and Medicube’s advertising claims.Plus, Lauren shares her thoughts from the APAC Beauty Trends Report, what she’s been working on lately, and some of her favourite K-Beauty finds for June 2026. 

For full show notes and resources, visit: https://stylestory.com.au/blogs/style-story/olive-young-launched-in-the-us-and-people-are-p-ssed

For more podcast episodes: stylestory.com.au/blogs/podcast

K-Beauty News of the Month:
Olive Young USA Has Arrived. So Why Is Everyone Angry?
Kendall Jenner, Anua and the Celebrity Question in Korean Beauty 
Dr.G and Medicube Ordered to Suspend Advertising in Korea
APAC Beauty Is Moving Beyond Trends

What I've Been Up To lately 

Question of the Month: Do you recommend overnight sheet masks?

K-Beauty Product Recommendations of the Week
Hera Dual Volume & Serum Mascara
Aestura Atobarrier 365 Body Lotion
Espoir Strobing Highlighter

Connect with Lauren
Take a Korean style skin analysis:https://jellyko.com/pages/ai-skin-analysis
Book a Consultation: stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancy
Instagram: instagram.com/lauren.kbeauty
TikTok: tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeauty
Threads: threads.net/@lauren.kbeauty
YouTube: youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcast
Shop Jelly Ko: jellyko.com and https://www.yesstyle.com/en/jelly-ko/list.html/bpt.299_bid.331833

Affiliate Disclaimer

Some links we share may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps to offset the cost of producing the show.

A Small Request

If you use insights, data or research from this episode in your own content, we ask that you kindly credit The Korean Beauty Show and tag us where possible. It helps others find the original source and supports the work that goes into creating these episodes.

Lauren shares the latest K-Beauty industry news, including Olive Young&rsquo;s much-anticipated US launch, why fans are frustrated with the brand and product lineup, Kendall Jenner becoming the face of Anua, and Korea&rsquo;s regulators cracking down on Dr.G and Medicube&rsquo;s advertising claims.Plus, Lauren shares her thoughts from the APAC Beauty Trends Report, what she&rsquo;s been working on lately, and some of her favourite K-Beauty finds for June 2026.&nbsp;
For full show notes and resources, visit: https://stylestory.com.au/blogs/style-story/olive-young-launched-in-the-us-and-people-are-p-ssed
For more podcast episodes: stylestory.com.au/blogs/podcast
K-Beauty News of the Month:
<ul>
<li>Olive Young USA Has Arrived. So Why Is Everyone Angry?</li>
<li>Kendall Jenner, Anua and the Celebrity Question in Korean Beauty&nbsp;</li>
<li>Dr.G and Medicube Ordered to Suspend Advertising in Korea</li>
<li>APAC Beauty Is Moving Beyond Trends</li>
</ul>
What I've Been Up To lately&nbsp;
Question of the Month:&nbsp;Do you recommend overnight sheet masks?
K-Beauty Product Recommendations of the Week
<ul>
<li>Hera Dual Volume &amp; Serum Mascara</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/43RJOat">Aestura Atobarrier 365 Body Lotion</a></li>
<li><a href="https://global.oliveyoung.com/product/detail?prdtNo=GA250832930&amp;srsltid=AfmBOore9XQaEkUSFzAvSXI_y7hNla7ML2HMujaActd4FG5GMpA3zv6L">Espoir Strobing Highlighter</a></li>
</ul>
Connect with Lauren
<ul>
<li>Take a Korean style skin analysis:<a href="https://jellyko.com/pages/ai-skin-analysis">https://jellyko.com/pages/ai-skin-analysis</a></li>
<li>Book a Consultation:&nbsp;<a href="http://stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancy">stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancy</a></li>
<li>Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="http://instagram.com/lauren.kbeauty">instagram.com/lauren.kbeauty</a></li>
<li>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="http://tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeauty">tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeauty</a></li>
<li>Threads:&nbsp;<a href="http://threads.net/@lauren.kbeauty">threads.net/@lauren.kbeauty</a></li>
<li>YouTube:&nbsp;<a href="http://youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcast">youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcast</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Shop Jelly Ko: jellyko.com and https://www.yesstyle.com/en/jelly-ko/list.html/bpt.299_bid.331833</li>
</ul>
Affiliate Disclaimer
Some links we share may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps to offset the cost of producing the show.
A Small Request
If you use insights, data or research from this episode in your own content, we ask that you kindly credit The Korean Beauty Show and tag us where possible. It helps others find the original source and supports the work that goes into creating these episodes.

What is Skin Brightening?

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